An initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Orange Corners Designs is a programme implemented by The Craft and Design Institute (CDI) in South Africa to empower visionary entrepreneurs dedicated to driving positive change in under-resourced communities. Over a 10-to-12 month period, participants undergo intensive incubation and mentoring to refine their business models and drive growth – applying the proven Design Thinking approach. Participants will be assisted to develop customer-centric solutions that can address real-world needs effectively. The programme runs in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Focus areas of this programme:
- Digital solutions
- Gender Equity
- Creative Industries (film, performance and visual arts, culinary arts, fashion, interior, furniture design etc.)
- Creative Economy
- Circular Economy solutions
What Orange Corners can offer you
Incubation support
Incubation support for a period of 10-12 months.
Masterclasses
Masterclass facilitated by an expert instructor/facilitator. Masterclasses to be provided according to the most prevalent needs.
12 days of in-person Design Thinking workshops
4-day bootcamp covering the basics of running a business.
2-day workshop focusing on product/service offering and value proposition development.
2-day workshop focusing on developing a marketing strategy for the business/product/service.
2-day workshop focusing on scrutinising each individual participant’s finances and business growth strategy.Access to all CDI programmes & services
Online webinars
E-learning materials / www.LEARN.thecdi.org.za
Business templates and other resources
Access to www.PEEK.org.za, CDI’s online market platform, and one-on-one e-commerce business support.One-on-one coaching and mentoring
Access to one-on-one business coaching and mentoring.
Workspace
Access to workspaces with Wi-Fi for networking and meetings.
Peer/group coaching
Access to in-person peer/group coaching.
Product prototyping labs
Access to product prototyping labs (Makers Space -Jhb and Product Support Space – CT)
Creative Exchange
4 1-day Creative Exchanges (CX)
Alumni community
Membership to the CDI and Orange Corners Alumni.
Funding
Access to funding opportunities.
Online application
The application form becomes available on our website prior to the beginning of each cycle. Fill in all required fields and submit via the online application process.
Selection process
Businesses will be shortlisted per city on the strength of the application and a panel of expert adjudicators will evaluate and select the final 20 businesses (20 in Cape Town and 20 in Johannesburg) that will participate.
Confirmation of selection
You will be contacted via phone-call to be notified that you have been selected. A brief interview will be carried out to ensue commitment.
FAQ
What are the selection criteria?
- Focus: Priority given to ventures led by youth and women entrepreneurs in under-resourced communities.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Existing business that is registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission CIPC/sole trader, tax compliance etc.
- Track Record: Enterprise with history and traction and/or market research, or skill of the applicant.
- Viable Idea: have done market research.
- Commitment: Demonstrated dedication from the applicant to the entrepreneurial journey, overcoming challenges with resilience and perseverance.
- Vision, Mission and Purpose: Clear articulation of a vision for social change and community empowerment.
- Innovation: Offering innovative products, services, or opportunities that address pressing needs in their communities or regions.
- Basic business information: operational, financial, or other.
- Must be willing/able to take time off from business (to attend the programme activities).
When can I apply?
Applications will be open twice per year through the online platform – once for Johannesburg businesses and once for Cape Town businesses. 20 businesses will be selected per city per year.
How can I apply?
You can apply through the APPLY NOW button on this website that leads to our application form on the website as soon as applications open.
When does the programme start?
The programme starts on the 22 April 2024.
How will I know if I am selected?
You will receive a phone call through the number that you provided which lets you know whether you are part of the selection for the programme and have a brief interview.
Does it cost anything to participate?
Participation in the programme is free of costs. However, we will require you to cater for your own transport costs to and from the Orange Corners locations (Johannesburg and Cape Town) for in person sessions.
Our partners
Want to work together?
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Where to find us
Orange Corners Designs - South Africa Cape Town: 1st Floor, 7 West Quay, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Johannesburg: Transwerke Studios, Sam Hancock St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg [email protected]
